The Cameron Peak Fire near Fort Collins, Colorado, is now the largest wildfire in the state's recorded history, burning more than 173,000 acres.
Why it matters: Over 1,300 personnel are currently responding to the fire, which is 57% contained. Mandatory evacuations are in place in parts of Larimer County and northern Colorado is under several fire danger alerts due to low humidity and high winds.
The state of play: The fire has burned at least 100 structures since igniting on August 13, driven by high winds and critically dry fuels.
- The fire is believed to been caused by human activity, but is under investigation, the Coloradoan reports.
- Smoke from the fire is expected to spread east into northeastern Colorado, southwestern Nebraska and eventually northwestern Kansas, per ABC News.
Zoom out: California has also seen a record-breaking wildfire season. The state's August Complex torched more than 471,000 acres.